Why cant hear after swimming? (2023)

Why is it hard to hear after swimming?

Hearing loss is a common side effect of swimmer's ear. The ear may feel clogged as fluid builds up and the tissues swell, sounds become muffled or may even be blocked altogether.

Swimmer's ear usually isn't serious if treated promptly, but complications can occur. Temporary hearing loss. You might have muffled hearing that usually gets better after the infection clears. Long-term infection (chronic otitis externa).

Swimming at long lengths of time can lead to a common ear condition called otitis externa, or commonly known as "swimmer's ear". This condition causes the tube between the outer ear and the eardrum to become inflamed.

How Long Does Swimmer's Ear Last? Prescription ear drops usually cure swimmer's ear in 7–10 days.

A mixture of 1 part white vinegar to 1 part rubbing alcohol may help promote drying and prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi that can cause swimmer's ear. Pour 1 teaspoon (about 5 milliliters) of the solution into each ear and let it drain back out.

Trapped water usually goes away without treatment. If it bothers you, consider trying one of these home treatments to help relieve your discomfort. But if the water is still trapped after 2 to 3 days or if you show signs of infection, you should call your doctor.

Showering or swimming can sometimes cause water to become trapped in the ears. Water can get trapped more easily when there is wax in the ear canals, when you have narrow ear canals, or when you have bony growths in the canals. If this water does not drain, a bacterial or fungal infection can result.

In most cases, swimmer's ear occurs when water or moisture is trapped in the ear canal. That means you can get it from taking showers or baths, washing your hair, or being in a moist or humid environment.

Can chlorine affect hearing?

It is concluded that swimming does not adversely affect middle ear function. Exercise induces an increase in MEP, and exposure to high chlorine levels appears to cause a small reduction in middle ear pressure.

Ear infections can be caused by leaving contaminated water in the ear after swimming. This infection, known as "swimmer's ear" or otitis externa, is not the same as the common childhood middle ear infection. The infection occurs in the outer ear canal and can cause pain and discomfort.

A permanent hearing loss can develop and become worse (more severe) but never get better. This means that the hearing loss cannot be reversed and that there is no medical cure or treatment that can bring the hearing back or restore hearing, unless the hearing loss is caused by e.g. infections or earwax.

Muffled hearing might be caused by something as simple as congestion from the common cold or hay fever, in which case, hearing may gradually improve on its own. But sometimes, muffled hearing is due to a serious condition like a tumor or head injury.

The most common cause of a blocked eustachian tube is a stuffy nose, such as from a head cold or sinus infection. When the nose is stuffed or clogged, it can prevent the eustachian tubes from draining or filling with air properly. A buildup of earwax is also a common cause of a blocked or obstructed eustachian tube.

Your ear may unblock on its own within hours or days. But several home remedies and medications can provide fast relief. As you treat a clogged ear, it's also helpful to identify possible causes of the blockage. By doing so, you and your doctor can determine the best way to treat the clog and prevent future problems.

Fluid in the Ear

If your ears won't pop you might have fluid in your ears. Thickened fluid blocks the auditory tube and prevents the fluid from draining into the back of the throat. Sometimes this is caused by an ear infection.

Performing the Valsalva maneuver will help pop your ears to open the Eustachian tubes and push water out of your ears. Close your mouth and pinch your nostrils closed with your fingers, then take a deep breath. Gently blow air out of your nose to regulate the air pressure.

If left untreated, complications include temporary hearing loss or more chronic, widespread infection. Because swimming is the most prominent risk factor – especially swimming in water prone to high bacteria levels – anyone diagnosed with swimmer's ear should stay out of the water until the infection clears up.

Swimmer's ear is typically treated with prescription ear drops. The most commonly prescribed drops combine a corticosteroid to calm inflammation with either an antibiotic or acetic acid. If the infection is caused by a fungus, your doctor can prescribe antifungal ear drops as opposed to antibiotic ear drops.

How painful is swimmer's ear?

It can be severe and gets worse when the outer part of the ear is pulled or pressed on. It also may be painful to chew. Sometimes the ear canal itches before the pain begins. Swelling of the ear canal might make a child complain of a full or uncomfortable feeling in the ear.

Sleep position

Rest with your head on two or more pillows, so your affected ear is higher than the rest of your body. Or if your left ear has an infection, sleep on your right side. Less pressure equals less ear pain. It could be effective, though a few inches may not make a big difference in pressure measurement.

Signs of water in your ear canals include sounds that appear muffled and a plugged-up feeling in the ears. You might also experience ear pain, loss of balance and coordination, ringing in the ears, runny nose and sore throat.

In most cases, swimmer's ear occurs when water or moisture is trapped in the ear canal. That means you can get it from taking showers or baths, washing your hair, or being in a moist or humid environment.

It is concluded that swimming does not adversely affect middle ear function. Exercise induces an increase in MEP, and exposure to high chlorine levels appears to cause a small reduction in middle ear pressure.

Ear infections can be caused by leaving contaminated water in the ear after swimming. This infection, known as "swimmer's ear" or otitis externa, is not the same as the common childhood middle ear infection. The infection occurs in the outer ear canal and can cause pain and discomfort.

Trapped water usually goes away without treatment. If it bothers you, consider trying one of these home treatments to help relieve your discomfort. But if the water is still trapped after 2 to 3 days or if you show signs of infection, you should call your doctor.

With proper treatment from a healthcare provider, swimmer's ear often clears up in 7 to 10 days. Treatment may include: Taking ear drops to kill bacteria (antibiotic ear drops) Taking ear drops to help reduce swelling (corticosteroid ear drops)

A mixture of 1 part white vinegar to 1 part rubbing alcohol may help promote drying and prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi that can cause swimmer's ear. Pour 1 teaspoon (about 5 milliliters) of the solution into each ear and let it drain back out.

Why is my ear muffled?

Muffled hearing might be caused by something as simple as congestion from the common cold or hay fever, in which case, hearing may gradually improve on its own. But sometimes, muffled hearing is due to a serious condition like a tumor or head injury.

What Causes Muffled Hearing? If your ear feels clogged and muffled, you may have a Middle Ear Infection, also known as Otitis Media. You may even see fluid visibly draining from the ear, and it will probably also be sensitive to touch. In more severe cases, it can cause nausea and vomit.

You might think germy water is behind most cases of swimmer's ear. Surprisingly, even well-chlorinated pool water can cause an infection because it can break down your ear's natural defenses. “Chlorine, sand and salt can wash away earwax and leave the skin inside your ear without a protective barrier,” Rauen says.